Many People Continue to Suffer from Post-COVID Symptoms – HBOT Shows Promising Results

Many individuals experience persistent physical, neurocognitive, and psychological symptoms following COVID-19 infection, often referred to as Post-COVID-19 syndrome. A recent investigation shows that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may alleviate these symptoms and improve brain function.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

HBOT involves patients breathing 100% oxygen under elevated pressure inside a hyperbaric chamber. This increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood and tissues, supporting healing processes and neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to adapt and regenerate.

Study Design

In a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial, 73 patients with persistent Post-COVID symptoms at least three months after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled.

• HBOT group: 37 patients received 40 HBOT sessions.

• Control group: 36 patients received sham treatment.

Key Findings

Improved cognitive abilities:
After HBOT, patients showed a significant increase in overall cognitive function, particularly in attention and executive functions (e.g., planning, problem-solving).

Better energy, sleep, psychological symptoms, and pain:
HBOT improved energy levels, sleep quality, reduced psychiatric symptoms, and decreased pain-related daily impairment.

Detectable brain changes:
Neuroimaging (MRI) demonstrated improved perfusion and structural changes in brain regions relevant to cognition and emotion – including the supramarginal gyrus, left supplementary motor area, and right insula.

Importance of the Results

This study is the first to show in a rigorous randomized design that HBOT can significantly improve the neurocognitive and psychological consequences of Post-COVID-19. The therapy appears to promote regeneration and cerebral blood flow, contributing to symptom relief.

Original Study on PubMed
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves neurocognitive functions and symptoms of post-COVID condition: randomized controlled trial (PubMed ID: 35821512)

Conclusion

HBOT may represent a promising treatment option for patients with persistent Post-COVID symptoms, particularly those with cognitive impairments, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and pain. Future studies will help determine the optimal use of this therapy.

⚠️ Note: Always consult with your physician before starting HBOT to ensure individual suitability and safe application.